Anger Management, Family Conflict, Mental & Emotional Health, Mental Health & Support, Mood Disorders, Relationship Issues, The Well

Understanding and Managing Anger: Tools for Emotional Wellness

Anger is a natural human emotion—one that everyone experiences. At its core, anger is a response to perceived threats, injustice, or unmet needs. While anger itself is not inherently harmful, how we express and manage it can significantly affect our relationships, mental health, and overall well-being. At Barksdale Missions, we believe in holistic, compassionate approaches… Read More Understanding and Managing Anger: Tools for Emotional Wellness

Addiction, Mental & Emotional Health, Mental Health & Support, Self-Harming, The Well

Understanding Addiction: A Whole-Person Approach to Recovery

Addiction is a chronic and complex condition that affects the brain, behavior, and overall well-being of individuals and families. Whether related to substances such as alcohol, opioids, or stimulants—or to behaviors such as gambling or compulsive internet use—addiction is more than a personal failure. It is a medical condition with biological, psychological, social, and spiritual… Read More Understanding Addiction: A Whole-Person Approach to Recovery

Anger Management, Anxiety, Faith & Well-being, Mental & Emotional Health, Mental Health & Support, Postpartum Support, Relationships & Family Life, Self-Harming, The Well, Women's Issues

52 Gentle Ways to Lower Stress and Reclaim Calm

At Barksdale Missions, we believe that healing starts with intentional, sustainable care—body, mind, and spirit. Stress may be part of life, but it doesn’t have to rule your day. Whether you’re navigating parenthood, managing mental health, or simply trying to feel more grounded, these 52 gentle strategies are here to help. You don’t have to… Read More 52 Gentle Ways to Lower Stress and Reclaim Calm

Birth Trauma, Childbirth, Mental Health & Support, Support, The Birth Chat, Trauma, Women's Issues

Advocating for Yourself During Childbirth After Sexual Trauma: Understanding Your Rights, Choices, and Coping Tools

Childbirth is a deeply personal experience—but for survivors of sexual trauma, it can also bring unexpected triggers, fear, or vulnerability. If you’ve experienced sexual trauma, know this: you are not alone, and your voice, body, and choices matter—especially during labor and birth. This post is here to remind you that you have the right to… Read More Advocating for Yourself During Childbirth After Sexual Trauma: Understanding Your Rights, Choices, and Coping Tools

Birth & Baby, Mental & Emotional Health, Mental Health & Support, Mood Disorders, Postpartum, Postpartum PTSD, Postpartum Support, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Health, Support, The Birth Chat

Rattled: A Must-Read for Every New Mom Navigating Anxiety

An in-depth look at Dr. Nicole Pensak’s groundbreaking guide for navigating motherhood with compassion and science Motherhood can be beautiful—and it can be overwhelming. For new moms who find themselves anxious, uncertain, or not quite like themselves, Dr. Nicole Pensak’s book, Rattled: How to Calm New Mom Anxiety with the Power of the Postpartum Brain,… Read More Rattled: A Must-Read for Every New Mom Navigating Anxiety

ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Mental & Emotional Health, Mental Health & Support, Support, Teens, The Well, Women's Issues

The Power of a Visual Timesheet: Reclaiming Balance in Your Daily Life

Life is full of responsibilities—work, family, personal goals, health, social commitments, and self-care. With so many demands on our time, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, stretched too thin, or stuck in a cycle of burnout. If you’ve ever felt like there just aren’t enough hours in the day, you’re not alone. The truth is, we… Read More The Power of a Visual Timesheet: Reclaiming Balance in Your Daily Life

ADHD, Anxiety, Child, Mental & Emotional Health, Mental Health & Support, Parenting & Child Development, Relationships & Family Life, Stepchild, Stepparent, Support, Teens, The Well, Women's Issues

Navigating Life with ADHD: A Parent’s Perspective

Life can be incredibly challenging for both parents and children impacted by Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Many children with ADHD are unfairly labeled as “bad” kids, leaving parents and caregivers feeling frustrated, judged, and often defeated. As an adult with ADHD and a mother of children who also have ADHD, I’ve experienced my fair… Read More Navigating Life with ADHD: A Parent’s Perspective

Blended Families, Child, Family Conflict, Mental & Emotional Health, Mental Health & Support, Parenting & Child Development, Relationship Issues, Relationships & Family Life, Siblings, Stepchild, Stepparent, Support, The Well, Women's Issues

Bidirectional Relationships in Stepfamilies: Mutual Impact Between Stepparents and Stepchildren

The was written as an assignment for FS468 Parenting in Contemporary Societies at Mississippi University for Women in Spring 2019. Bidirectional Relationships in Stepfamilies: Mutual Impact Between Stepparents and Stepchildren Ashley BarksdaleMississippi University for WomenApril 10, 2019 Introduction In the United States, approximately 9% of married couples and 12% of cohabiting households contain resident stepchildren… Read More Bidirectional Relationships in Stepfamilies: Mutual Impact Between Stepparents and Stepchildren